Tri-Calcium Phosphate
Tri-Calcium Phosphate
Snapshot
Tri‑Calcium Phosphate is a highly bioavailable calcium supplement and food additive that supports bone mineralization, dental health, muscle function, and cellular signaling.
What is Tri‑Calcium Phosphate?
Tri‑Calcium Phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂) is an inorganic calcium salt combining calcium and phosphate in a 3:2 ratio. It serves both as a dietary supplement and as an anti‑caking agent or fortifier in foods, providing essential minerals for human health.
Where It Comes From
Tri‑Calcium Phosphate is produced industrially by reacting phosphoric acid with calcium hydroxide or carbonate under controlled pH conditions. The resulting crystalline powder is purified, dried, and milled for use in supplements, fortified foods, and pharmaceuticals.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides elemental calcium (approximately 38% by weight) and phosphate, both critical for hydroxyapatite formation in bone and teeth, and for intracellular energy transfer via ATP.
Health Benefits
Tri‑Calcium Phosphate supports bone density and strength by supplying calcium and phosphate for osteoblast activity; contributes to dental enamel remineralization; aids in muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission; and maintains acid‑base balance by buffering blood pH.
Recommended Dosage
Typical supplemental dosing provides 500–1,000 mg of elemental calcium per day, equating to approximately 1,300 mg to 2,600 mg of Tri‑Calcium Phosphate. Divide doses to enhance absorption, and take with meals for optimal efficacy.
How to Use It
Take Tri‑Calcium Phosphate powder or tablets with water alongside meals. For food fortification, it can be added to dairy products, cereals, or beverages according to regulatory guidelines to achieve desired calcium content.
Who Should Use It?
Ideal for individuals at risk of osteoporosis or osteopenia, those with inadequate dietary calcium intake, postmenopausal women, older adults, and individuals on restrictive diets. Dental health programs may also incorporate it for enamel support.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Excessive calcium can impair absorption of iron, zinc, and magnesium. High doses may contribute to kidney stone risk in susceptible individuals. Separate Tri‑Calcium Phosphate from high‑fiber or high‑oxalate meals by two hours to minimize absorption interference.
Final Thoughts
Tri‑Calcium Phosphate is a dual‑function mineral source offering reliable calcium and phosphate delivery for skeletal and dental health. Its food‑grade status and versatility make it an effective option for supplementation and fortification when used within recommended intake levels.
Scientific Studies
Heaney RP, Recker RR, Grote JF. Calcium absorption from calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1989;68(3):726–728. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-68-3-726
Cashman KD. Calcium intake, calcium bioavailability and bone health. Br J Nutr. 2002;87(Suppl 2):S169–S177. https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN2002710
Bonjour JP, Chevalley T. Phosphorus and bone health: new insights. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(6):529–537. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000108